The UK Plumber of the Year 2017 has announced WaterSafe - the national register for approved plumbing businesses in the UK - as the official judging partner, with chairman Chris Sneath MBE sitting on the judging panel to choose the worthy winner of the huge prize fund.

This year's search to find the finest plumber of 2017 and recognise the remarkable level of talent from plumbers across the UK, will launch on 3rd April. The initial round asks plumbers to put themselves forward for the award by showcasing one job from the past year outlining their outstanding skill and professionalism.

WaterSafe will shortlist the 15 stand-out entries in July; these must then campaign to gather as many votes as possible to reach the final five. Chris Sneath MBE will then join the panel to judge the five finalists later in the year, based upon their professionalism and skill.

"It's a great honour to join the UK Plumber of the Year competition as the official judge," says Chris. "We are looking forward to recognising the remarkable level of talent and professionalism that plumbers up and down the country have to offer."

Chris was awarded his MBE in 2013 in recognition of his outstanding service to the heating and plumbing sectors. As a former president of the Building & Engineering Services Association (B&ES) and Fellow of the WaterSafe partner scheme, the Chartered Institute of Plumbing & Heating Engineering (CIPHE), he has worked to unite the industry in raising standards.

Chris was a founding director of the WaterSafe scheme in 2013, which is backed by all water companies in the UK and the Drinking Water Inspectorate, and provides an online directory of plumbing businesses in the UK who are trained to meet the strict regulations for installing pipes and fittings which supply drinking water.

Plumbers should keep an eye on @UKPOTY on Twitter and Facebook.com/UKPlumberoftheYear for more information.